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Carrying Your Burdens
by
Ann Stewart
How heavy are the burdens you’re carrying? Are you
weighed down with a load of guilt, financial woes, an abusive husband,
or the death of a child? Jesus says: “My yoke is easy, and my burden is
light.” (Mat. 11:30)
That almost sounds like a nice cliché, eh? You may be thinking: “Yeah
right! You don’t know the problems I’ve got!” I do know where you’re
coming from. In fact I used to have a mental picture of oxen with heavy
wooden yokes strapped across their necks attached to iron shackles,
pulling heavy machinery. Even a light yoke seems like a heavy
contraption! Slaves burdened with yokes were forced into heavy labor,
directed where to go, and kept on a tight rein by their masters.
Then I got a revelation! My husband Jack used to complain out loud about
any problems he faced. I was the quiet one in the family. I would pray
about them and go about my day bowed down under the weight. But, Jack?
Oh... how he used to infuriate me! First he’d aggravate the situation by
his mutterings. But then, after his daily morning walk with the dog, he
would come home refreshed, laughing and in a great mood! The problems
were still there, so how could he suddenly be so happy? You know, I hate
to divulge this - even to myself now - but it literally took me years to
figure it out.
Jack’s all-time favorite scripture verse is: “I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4: 13) He stood on that
verse, spoke it every day, and during his walks he would give Jesus all
his burdens. So simple! I had the faith to believe that God would solve
everything, some time. However, I had trouble handing my problems over
to him, saying, “Jesus, here is my burden. Would you please carry it, as
you promised you would?”
The proof is in the pudding, they say, right? So.. Jack would come back
happy, but how about the problems? They did go away? We discovered that
God is the God of plenty and that He is never late! A lot of the time we
were barely hanging on by the skin of our teeth up until the last
moment. But...God! He always came through! He is bringing to mind an
incident that happened years ago when the bottom literally fell out of
the market my husband’s business was involved in. Where there was great
demand merely a year before, suddenly there was nothing. Being self
employed, it was difficult to make the transition into a different field
instantly. One night, in the twilight zone of falling asleep, Jack
exclaimed: “there are two huge angels sitting on our roof! One on each
side... I see them clear as day!” He had lifted the situation up to the
Lord, asking Him to protect our property during this time of unforeseen
upheaval. The Lord in His mercy gave him a vision of the guardian angels
He had assigned to protect us! What total peace came over us! He
supplied total assurance of His protection.
Yes, His yoke is not a heavy cross to bear. His yoke simply means that
whatever you need to go through, no matter how extreme. If you lift it
up to Him saying: “Lord, I don’t know the answer. I can’t bear this any
longer,” then you will also discover that His Grace is sufficient for
you as His strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9) When you
are weak, He is strong. When you let go and let God, you open the door
to miracles and wonderful testimonies of His goodness in your life.
Take off your heavy burdens. Let Him take care of them for you. It’s His
Promise, and He never fails! “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn
of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto
your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Mat. 11:28-30)
About the Author:
Ann is the author of “With Wings as Eagles,” an
inspirational testimonial of overcoming major obstacles.
Get her free inspirational e-zine, worth $79:
http://www.lifealteringwords.com
To learn more about the author:
http://www.lifealteringwords.com/with-wings-as-eagles
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